Apricot tree named ‘Brittany Gold’

ABSTRACT

A new and distinct variety of apricot tree ( Prunus armeniaca ). The following features of the tree and its fruit are characterized with the tree budded on ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), grown on Handford sandy loam soil with Storie Index rating 95, in USDA Hardiness Zone 9, near Modesto, Calif., with standard commercial fruit growing practices, such as pruning, thinning, spraying, irrigation and fertilization. Its novelty consists of the following combination of desirable features. 
     1. Heavy and regular production of fruit. 
     2. Fruit with a high degree of soluble solids, average Brix 18°. 
     3. Fruit that has firmer flesh than most standard commercial apricots in California. 
     4. Vigorous, semi-upright growth of tree. 
     5. Fruit with very good flavor and eating quality. 
     6. Fruit with an attractive, uniform, yellow skin color.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not applicable.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

In the field of plant genetics, we conduct an extensive and continuingplant-breeding program including the organization and asexualreproduction of orchard trees, and of which almonds, apples, plums,peaches, nectarines, apricots, cherries and interspecifics areexemplary. It was against this background of our activities that thepresent variety of apricot tree was originated and asexually reproducedby us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto, StanislausCounty, Calif.

Prior Varieties

Among the existing varieties of apricot trees (Prunus armeniaca), whichare known to us, and mentioned herein, are ‘Tri Gem’ Apricot (U.S. PlantPat. No. 6,765), ‘Modesto’ Apricot (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,543) and‘King’ Apricot (non-patented).

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT:

Not applicable.

ORIGIN OF THE VARIETY

The present new and distinct variety of apricot tree (Prunus armeniaca)was developed by us in our experimental orchard located near Modesto,Calif. as a first generation cross between proprietary lines ofimmediate parents, 20ED49 and 80GE216. The maternal parent 20ED49originated from an open pollinated seedling of ‘Tri Gem’ Apricot (U.S.Plant Pat. No. 6,765) crossed with a seedling selected from a cross of‘Modesto’ Apricot (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,543) with a late maturingseedling of unknown parentage. The pollen parent 80GE216 originated froma cross of ‘King’ Apricot (non-patented) crossed with a seedling ofunknown parentage. We planted and grew a large number of these firstgeneration seedlings, growing on their own root system, under close andcareful observation, during which time the present variety exhibiteddistinct and desirable fruit characteristics and, in 1992, was selectedfor asexual reproduction and commercialization.

ASEXUAL REPRODUCTION OF THE VARIETY

Asexual reproduction of the new and distinct variety of apricot tree wasby budding to ‘Nemaguard’ Rootstock (non-patented), as performed by usin our experimental orchard located near Modesto, Calif., and shows thatreproductions run true to the original tree and all characteristics ofthe tree and its fruit are established and transmitted throughsucceeding asexual propagations.

SUMMARY OF THE NEW VARIETY

Our present new and distinct variety of apricot tree Prunus armeniaca)is of large size, vigorous, semi-upright growth and a productive andregular bearer of medium size, yellow flesh, freestone fruit with verygood flavor and eating quality. The fruit is further characterized byhaving firm flesh with good storage and shipping quality, having highsoluble solids with average Brix of 18° and being relatively uniform insize throughout the tree. In comparison to its parent ‘Tri Gem’ Apricot(U.S. Plant Pat. No. 6,765), it is similar in size and firmness and isapproximately 35 days later in maturity. In comparison to ‘Modesto’Apricot (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,543), the new variety has firmer flesh,higher soluble solids, (Brix), and is approximately 30 days later inmaturity.

PHOTOGRAPH OF THE VARIETY

The accompanying color photographic illustration shows typical specimensof the foliage and fruit of the present new apricot variety. Theillustration shows the upper and lower surface of the leaves, anexterior and sectional view of a fruit divided in its suture plane toshow flesh color, pit cavity and the stone remaining in place. Thephotographic illustration was taken shortly after being picked (shippingripe) and the colors are as nearly true as is reasonably possible in acolor representation of this type.

DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

The following is a detailed botanical description of the new variety ofapricot tree, its flowers, foliage and fruit, as based on observationsof 6 year old specimens grown near Modesto, Calif., with color inaccordance with Munsell Book of Color.

Tree:

Size.—Large. Tree pruned to 3 to 3.5 meters in height and width atmaturity, primarily for economical harvesting of fruit.

Vigor.—Vigorous, growing 1.5 to 2 meters in height the first growingseason. Varies with fertility of soil, climatic conditions and culturalpractices.

Form.—Usually pruned to vase shape.

Branching habit.—Semi-upright with crotch angle of approximately 40degrees. At maturity, heavy crop load increases spreading and crotchangle.

Productivity.—Productive. Usually sets 1½ to several times more fruitthan desired, thinning and spacing of fruit necessary for marketablesize.

Bearer.—Has set adequate fruit 4 consecutive years, no alternate bearingobserved.

Fertility.—Believed to be self fertile, sets fruit heavy under bagswithout bee activity.

Density.—Medium dense. Pruned to vase shape to increase air and sunlightto center of tree to enhance fruit color, Brix and health of fruit wood.

Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of California. Treegrown in USDA Hardiness Zone 9. Estimated winter chilling requirement of700 hours at or below 45° F.

Trunk:

Size.—Large. Average circumference 40.6 cm at 30.5 cm above ground on a6 year old tree.

Stocky.—Medium stocky.

Texture.—Medium rough, increases with age of tree.

Color.—Varies from 2.5YR 4/4 to 5YR 3/2.

Branches:

Size.—Medium. Average circumference 22.9 cm at 1 meter above ground on a6 year old tree.

Surface texture.—New growth smooth. Mature growth medium rough,roughness increases with age.

Lenticels.—Average number of 34 in a 25.8 square cm surface. Averagelength 1.2 mm. Average width 0.8 mm. Color varies from 5YR 7/4 to 5YR7/6.

Color.—New growth 5R 4/6. Mature growth 2.5YR 4/4, becomes darker withage.

Leaves:

Size.—Medium. Average length 67.3 mm. Average width 59.8 mm.

Form.—Ovate.

Apex.—Cuspidate.

Base.—Obtuse.

Margin.—Serrate.

Thickness.—Medium.

Surface texture.—Upper surface relatively smooth with slightindentations over midrib and pinnate venation, glabrous. Lower surfacerelatively smooth with slight ridging from midvein and pinnate venation,glabrous.

Petiole.—Average length 22.5 mm. Average width 1.1 mm. Slightly groovedlongitudinally. Glabrous. Color 5R 3/8 to 2.5GY 6/6, varies with amountof exposure to direct sunlight.

Glands.—Globose. Small. Average length 0.6 mm. Average diameter 0.4 mm.Number varies from 2 to 4, average 3. Located on upper portion ofpetiole and lower portion of leaf blade. Color varies from 5R 2/8 onupper portion to 2.5GY 7/6 on lower edge.

Color.—Upper surface 5GY 3/6. Lower surface 5GY 4/4. Midvein color — 5GY7/4.

Flower buds:

Size.—Large. Average length 14.9 mm. Average diameter 7.7 mm.

Hardiness.—Hardy in all stone fruit growing areas of California.

Form.—Plump, conical.

Pedicel.—Average length 1.8 mm. Average width 1.6 mm. Color 2.5GY 7/8.

Pubescence.—Glabrous.

Color.—7.5RP 9/2.

Number of buds per spur.—Usually 5, varies from 4 to 9.

Flowers:

Size.—Large. Average height 15.1 mm. Average diameter 25 mm.

Petals.—Number — 5, alternately arranged to sepals. Orbicular, narrowsat point of attachment. Average length 12.7 mm. Average width 13 mm.Color 5R 9/2 to 7.5R 9/2, color fades with age. Margin — entire,slightly cupped near apex.

Sepals.—Number — 5 alternately arranged to petals. Triangular, apexslightly pointed. Both surfaces glabrous. Average length 4.7 mm. Averagewidth 3.6 mm. Color — upper surface varies from N/9.5 to 10RP 4/10.Lower surface 10RP 4/12.

Stamens.—Average number per flower 32. Average filament length 8.2 mm.Filament color N9/.5. Anther color 3.75Y 8.5/12.

Pollen .—Abundant, believed self fertile, set fruit under bag. Color3.75Y 8.5/12.

Pistil.—Usually one. Average length 15.8 mm. Pubescent. Stigma isapproximately 2.3 mm higher than anthers. Color 7.5Y 9/4.

Fragrance.—Moderate aroma.

Blooming period.—Date of First Bloom Feb. 25, 2001. Date of Petal FallMar. 6, 2001. Varies slightly with climatic conditions.

Color.—5R 9/2 to 2.5R 9/2.

Number of flowers per flower bud.—Usually 1.

Pedicel.—Average length 2.2 mm. Average width 1.8 mm. Color 2.5GY 7/6.

Fruit:

Maturity when described.—Firm ripe.

Date of first picking.—Jul. 8, 2001.

Date of last picking.—Jul. 14, 2001. Varies slightly with climaticconditions.

Size.—Medium. Average diameter axially 46.2 mm. Average transversely insuture plane 43 mm. Average weight 64.37 grams. Average weight variesslightly with fertility of the soil, amount of thinning and climaticconditions.

Form.—Globose, slightly flattened at apex and base.

Suture.—Shallow, extends from base to apex.

Ventral surface.—Slightly lipped, tightly closed.

Apex.—Varies from flat to slightly retuse.

Base.—Retuse.

Cavity.—Rounded to slightly elongated in suture plane. Average depth 4.6mm. Average diameter 6.1 mm.

Stem:

Size.—Short. Average length 3.7 mm. Average diameter 2.4 mm.

Color.—2.5GY 7/6 to 2.5GY 7/8.

Flesh:

Ripens.—Evenly.

Texture.—Firm, smooth, apricot texture.

Fibers.—Few, small, tender.

Firmness.—Firm. Firmer than most commercial varieties of apricots. Holdsfirmness when fully tree ripe.

Aroma.—Moderate.

Amydgalin.—Undetected.

Eating quality.—Very good.

Flavor.—Very good. Good balance between acid and sugar.

Juice.—Moderate amount, enhances flavor.

Brix.—Average 18°. Varies slightly with amount of fruit per tree andclimatic conditions.

Color.—7.5YR 7/10 to 7.5YR 7.12. Pit cavity. — 7.5YR 7/8 to 7.5YR 7.10.

Skin:

Thickness.—Medium.

surface.—Smooth.

Pubescence.—Pubescent, very short, fine, does not roll.

Tendency to crack.—None.

Color.—7.5YR 7/8 to 7/5YR 7/10. Uniformly yellow.

Tenacity.—Tenacious to the flesh.

Stone:

Type.—Freestone.

Size.—Medium. Average length 23.4 mm. Average width 17.8 mm. Averagethickness 14.1 mm.

Form.—Ovoid.

Base.—Varies from rounded to slightly concaved.

Apex.—Rounded, no sharp point.

Surface.—Lightly pitted throughout. One shallow groove on each side ofsuture creating a small, narrow ridge.

Sides.—Equal.

Tendency to split.—None.

Color.—2.5YR 4/4, when dry.

Kernal:

Form.—Ovate.

Taste.—Bitter.

Viability.—Viable. Complete embryo development.

Size.—Average length 16.9 mm. Average width 11.8 mm. Average thickness11.8 mm.

Skin color.—7.5YR 5/8, when dry.

Use: Dessert. Market — local and long distance.

Keeping quality: Good, held firm 2 weeks in cold storage at 38° F. to42° F. without shriveling, internal breakdown of flesh or appreciableloss of flavor.

Shipping quality: Good, showed minimal skin scarring or bruising offlesh in picking, packing and shipping trials.

Plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility: No specific testing forrelative plant/fruit disease resistance/susceptibility has beendesigned. Under close observation during planting, growing andharvesting of fruit, under normal cultural and growing conditions nearModesto, Calif., no particular plant/fruit disease resistance orsusceptibility has been observed. Any variety observed during indexingof plant characteristics with abnormal fungus, bacterial, virus orinsect susceptibility is destroyed and eliminated from our breedingprogram.

The present new variety of apricot tree, its flowers, foliage and fruitherein described may vary in slight detail due to climate, soilconditions and cultural practices under which the variety may be grown.The present description is that of the variety grown under theecological conditions prevailing near Modesto, Calif.

We claim:
 1. A new and distinct apricot tree, substantially asillustrated and described, characterized by its large size, semi-uprightgrowth and being a productive and regular bearer of yellow flesh,freestone fruit having very good flavor and eating quality, having firmflesh with good handling and shipping quality and, in comparison to thefruit of the ‘Modesto’ Apricot (U.S. Plant Pat. No. 2,543), the newfruit has firmer flesh, higher Brix and is approximately 30 days laterin maturity.